$5M bond set for teens in homeless beating deaths

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Three Albuquerque teenagers accused of fatally beating two homeless men beyond recognition have been ordered held on $5 million bonds.

Police say they are also investigating claims by one of the teens that the trio had been terrorizing transients around Albuquerque for months.

Prosecutors requested $1 million bond for each of the three during initial appearances Monday, but Metropolitan Court Judge Linda Rogers set bond at $5 million. She cited the gravity of the alleged crimes and the suspects' potential to flee.

The teens, aged 15, 16 and 18, have been charged with open counts of murder. Police said they expect the younger suspects to be charged as adults in the Friday night killings.

Family and attorneys for the three declined comment after the court proceeding.